Spark to open flagship store in Commercial Bay

Spark and Precinct Properties have just signed a lease for a new three-level, flagship Spark store to open in late 2019 within Commercial Bay, New Zealand’s new premium shopping destination. Set opposite the busiest corner in New Zealand, Spark will use this premium location to redefine the experience of visiting a Spark store.

Head of Retail, Chris Fletcher explains, “We want to shift away from a traditional ‘telco’ shopping experience. Spark’s stores aren’t just a place to buy a new broadband plan or phone anymore. Our customers come in store because they want advice on how to navigate their way through a range of technologies and digital choices. Spark Commercial Bay will offer customers that kind of broad experience and we are really excited to be part of the largest commercial and retail development in the country.”

“Spark is becoming a much broader business – from becoming a destination for sport and entertainment to making it easier to find a plumber via WeDo or monitoring your assets like a car or boat via remote tracking – we are ensuring we meet our customers changing needs. They want to know how they can best stream online entertainment. They want advice on how to get their WiFi working brilliantly. They want to know what we can offer them to keep them more entertained or make their lives simpler to organise.

“Ultimately, they want to touch and feel the options – and then speak to an expert to help them make those choices.”

Fletcher says that this is part of a broader resurgence in high street retail. “There are some amazing stores out there right now that are acting as a rebuttal to online-only shopping. Of course, offering a seamless digital and online experience for Spark customers is incredibly important to us. But we believe that this needs to be completed with amazing ‘in real life’ locations where customers can come and engage with us in person.”

Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties says, “We’re excited to welcome Spark to Commercial Bay, adding another significant retailer to the diverse offering available to consumers at the precinct. Spark is a leading digital services provider and at the forefront of offering customers a truly unique experience when shopping in stores. As we’re destined to become Auckland’s foremost shopping, dining and social hub, it’s only fitting to welcome one of New Zealand’s top brands.”